Theodor Svedberg

Theodor Svedberg won the 1926 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work on disperse systems, especially colloids. His research helped connect physical chemistry with the study of large biological molecules.

Svedberg developed analytical ultracentrifugation as a way to study particles and proteins in solution. The method helped show that proteins behave as large macromolecules.

The svedberg, symbol S, is a unit used for sedimentation coefficients in centrifugation. Ribosomal subunits such as 30S and 50S are named using this kind of measurement.

Svedberg was closely associated with Uppsala University in Sweden. He became professor of physical chemistry there in the early 20th century.